(Liriodendron tulipifera L.)
Habitus
- it is a massive tree growing in its homeland to a height of 40 – 50 m
- the crown is ovate to broadly ovate
- the bark is grey-brown, on older branches distinct linear yellowish lenticels
- the bork is grey to brownish-grey, deeply reticulately fissured, firm
Buds
- they are arranged in a spiral, 10 – 15 x 5 – 6 mm large, obovate, compressed, biangular, short-stalked, stalk is 2 – 4 mm
- there are two integumentary scales, bluish-tinged, later reddish-brown, shiny
Shoots
- they are bluish-grey, later reddish-brown, shiny, clearly streaked
- lenticels are round, slightly raised, yellowish
- leaf trace is large, round
Leaves (assimilation organs)
- the leaves are simple, entire-marginal, 80 – 150 x 90 – 160 cm large, slightly wider than long
- they have a characteristic lyre-shaped shape with two terminal and two (rarely four) lateral lobes
- they are almost truncated at the base
- the upper side is smooth, shiny
- the lower side is greyish, matte
- in autumn they turn golden yellow (decorative)
Flowers
- the wood is monosexual with bisexual flowers
- it is flowering in V - VI
- flowers are similar to tulip flowers, they are light green, broadly ovate at the base with a wide light brown or orange band
- flowers grow singly at the end of shoots, they are erect and up to 60 mm in diameter
Fruits – seeds
- the fruit is a winged achene
- the achenes are grouped into a 60 - 80 x 20 -25 mm large oblong-ovate fruit similar to a cone
- it ripens in X - XI
Extension
- it is originally widespread in the eastern part of the North American continent
- it was introduced to Europe in 1663
Ecology
- it is light-loving woody plant demanding on the content of nutrients in the soil and moisture
- it is resistant to frost
Significance
- wood is decorative with leaves, but especially with flowers
- leaves turn golden yellow in autumn (decorative)
- it is one of the most beautiful deciduous woody plants
